Old Testament in a Year

Zechariah 1:1-21
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Today we start the book of the prophet Zechariah!  You’ll note that we are now at the 2nd to the last book of the Old Testament.  Malachi is after Zechariah – and we’ll be camped out in this book for quite a few days.  Zechariah was a prophet during the post-exile (returned from Babylon) period at about the same time Haggai was a prophet.  Both started their prophecies in 520 B.C. – however, Zechariah prophesied for many more years going forward – probably until about 480/475 B.C.   Zechariah’s name means, “The Lord remembers,” which is fitting for this book.  God is remembering his covenant promise to the Israelites in this post-exilic period.  Zechariah’s prophecies are similar to Haggai’s in that he is encouraging the Israelites to rebuild the temple.  Zechariah is a wonderful book, filled with 8 night visions, 4 messages, and 2 oracles.  A good overview of the book of Zechariah is online at bible.org at this link.

Chapter 1 verse 3 stood out to me in today’s readings: “Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD Almighty.’” What a great calling and promise from God!  Return to me – and I will return to you.  Are there areas in your life where you need to change your ways and return to God?  If you change our ways, or repent, and return to God, do you believe that God will also return blessings to you for this act of repentance?  Will you return to God?  Why would this be wise? Is it a risky waste of time to be apart from God?  Will you no longer turn back?

In verse 8 we begin to read about Zechariah’s night visions.  It is interesting to note that all 8 of his visions in this book take place in 1 night.  Visions are different from dreams in that Zechariah is an in an awake state while these visions occur.  You’ll note that the four horsemen described here are very similar to the “four horsemen of the apocalypse” described by John in Revelation chapter 6, which we recently read.  The four horns in verse 18 are thought to represent Assyria, Egypt, Babylon, and Persia and the four blacksmiths in verse 20 are thought to represent Egypt, Babylon, Persia, and Greece.  Below are the visions of Zechariah from a 14th century illuminated Bible:

Worship Video: Today’s readings remind me of a beautiful song by JJ Heller called “Your Hands,” performed here on K-LOVE with her husband playing guitar.

Are you in God’s Hands today?  Click here and be in His hands forevermore!

Comments from you:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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